Villa Karo Residency Scholarship Program for African Artists, Writers and Researchers in Benin Republic 2018

Villa Karo, a Finnish-African cultural exchange site, invites applications from Artists, Writers and Researchers of African origin to its residency program 2018.

Application Deadlines:

• Autumn Residency (from September 1^st to December 31^st): 15th March 2018
• Spring Residency (from January 1^st to May 31^st): 15th September 2018

To Be Taken At (Country): Benin Republic.

About the Award: A Villa Karo residency is suited for both individual research and artistic work, and carrying out for instance communal projects. The ideal situation is one where scholarship holders are able to offer something to the local community. The staff of Villa Karo can assist in finding the right contacts and in organising the workshops.

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Information on living conditions in Benin and in Villa Karo can be found on the Villa Karo sites and in the book Villa Karon ABC-kirja, which can be ordered from the office of Villa Karo’s Friends in Helsinki for 15 euros. In addition to this, recommended travel guides are Lonely Planet’s West Africa and Bradt’s Benin.

Residents have the option to bring their spouses, living companions or close relatives to Villa Karo with them.

Type: Short Courses

Eligibility: 

• The scholarships of Villa Karo are meant for researchers and artists, as well as for other professionals of cultural and/or societal fields.
• The most important part of the application is the work plan; preferably related to Africa or African culture.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: The grant of Villa Karo covers

1. trip arrangements and the remaining of the plane ticket costs after excess
2. transportation from the airport (Cotonou – Grand-Popo – Cotonou)
3. accommodation and breakfast in Villa Karo for 50 euros/week
4. cleaning of the room
5. help and support in planning the trip and on the spot in Benin

Expenses the scholarship holders take care of themselves

1. 800 euros excess for the plane ticket (Villa Karo sees to the remaining 400-600 euros)
2. 50 euros per week for the accommodation and 100 euros per week for companion
3. visa and travel insurance
4. medication for malaria and vaccinations
5. hotel night in Cotonou on arrival in Benin (about 20-50 euros)
6. laundry (2,5 euros)
7. possible excursions
8. possible extensive translation services (e.g. for personal research)

Duration of Program: The length of the residential periods in Villa Karo ranges from five weeks to three months.

How to Apply: 

• The application (a short resume and a work plan) should include the basic information (name as in passport, date of birth, contact information) and sent as PDF-file.
• Applications should be sent to hakemukset[a]villakaro.org.
• A detached committee evaluates applications and makes decisions on the residencies.

Visit the Program Webpage for Details

Award Providers: Villa Karo